Flutist

The wind quintet has the challenge, as well as the benefit, of bringing together five distinct instruments to explore multiple blends of timbres. Klughardt's work is a beautiful example of great writing for each of the five, and the addition of piano in Louise Farenc's Sextet provides expanded sonic dimensions and is a true tour de force for the pianist. The program is balanced with smaller combinations featuring double reeds, the regal sound of the horn, and upper winds. 

EPSG:4326

Century of Winds

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

CMS’s holiday tradition continues with the joyful and astonishingly varied Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach. Virtually unknown until their publication in 1850, the Brandenburg Concertos are a defining demonstration of Bach’s mastery of Baroque music.

The Brandenburg Concertos

This program explores the interplay between wind instruments and piano, beginning with Mendelssohn’s Concert Piece No. 1 in F minor for Clarinet, Bassoon, and Piano, Op. 113, a lyrical work showcasing dynamic exchanges between the instruments. Next is Schulhoff’s Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon, a lively piece by the Czech composer known for blending jazz, folk, and classical influences.

Beethoven’s Quintet for Piano​ and Winds

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

The world premiere of a Festival-commissioned work by composer Xinyang Wang, who draws equal inspiration from classical music and traditional Chinese arts, opens this program, which also features clarinetist Todd Levy in Academy Award–winning composer Bernard Herrmann’s quintet Souvenirs de Voyage, a cinematic journey through England, Ireland, and Italy. 

Souvenirs de Voyage

New Mexico Museum of Art

Donald Runnicles makes his Festival debut conducting Mahler’s consummate fusion of song cycle and symphony, Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth), performed here in its intimate chamber orchestra version. Mahler was reeling from the loss of his daughter and other crises when he wrote this deeply moving work, and the poems he set to music evoke the beauty, sadness, and transience of life. An all-star ensemble is joined by two extraordinary soloists who are also making their Festival debuts: German mezzo-soprano Annika Schlicht, whose voice OperaWire has praised as “extraordinary for its beauty of tone,” and American heldentenor Clay Hilley, who was lauded by The New York Times for his “vocal heft [and] clarion sound.” 

Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde

Dvořák & Prokofiev

Immerse yourself in the delights of high French Baroque music—from the passion of Rameau to the poise of Lully—with this keyboard-centered program performed by New York Philharmonic harpsichordist Paolo Boridignon, violinist Yura Lee, flutist Tara Helen O’Connor, and cellist Peter Stumpf. 

French Baroque Masters: Rameau & Lully

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) returns to the Mondavi Center to perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, works that unfailingly provide spiritual fulfillment for music lovers of all faiths and beliefs, inspiring strength at year’s end and a vision of the brightest future. The artistic core of CMS is a multigenerational, dynamic repertory company comprised of an evolving and unparalleled roster of performers. Demonstrating the belief that the future of chamber music lies in engaging and expanding the audience, these expert chamber musicians draw more people to the genre than any other organization of its kind.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

Saint-Saëns’ beloved animal portraits meet Michael Stephen Brown’s new work celebrating endangered species in this poignant season finale.

Flutist

Tara Helen O'connor

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 23, 2026

Carnival of the Animals · Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach

Past events

Mar 13, 2026

Century of Winds · Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

12 - 16 Dec, 2025

The Brandenburg Concertos · Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Future and recently performed repertoire

Flute in Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns

Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach

About

Tara Helen O'connor hasn't added a bio